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Board upholds permit for 538 Laidley Street after lengthy neighbor testimony
Summary
After neighbors raised concerns about height, bulk, privacy and alleged damage during demolition, the Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to uphold the permit for a new single-family house at 538 Laidley, finding the project consistent with planning guidelines as modified.
Neighbors and appellants contended the proposed four-story single-family house at 538 Laidley was outsized for the block and would reduce light and privacy for adjacent properties; appellant Ian Haddow also alleged demolition activity had damaged a nearby garage. The project sponsor’s representatives replied that the design had undergone discretionary review, that the planning commission had reduced the height by two feet, and that the sponsor had worked with planners to meet design guidelines.
Architectural drawings and planning staff presentations showed the proposed building fit within the applicable buildable envelope and that concessions had been made in height and setback. A structural engineer who inspected the neighbor’s damaged garage told commissioners the garage showed long-term deterioration and that some demolition-related contact had occurred but that the structure overall was in poor condition.
Several commissioners expressed frustration at the volume of personal attacks in testimony and focused their deliberations on the merits: whether the building fit the design guidelines and whether prior concessions should be restored. After discussion, Commissioner Holland moved to uphold the permit as approved by the planning commission; the motion passed 5-0.
